Always get what you want the first time, but if you're on a budget, this build will work for you and these are quality pieces of equipment that I have used (except as mentioned the Sun Sun filter). I still have an Aqueon tank (75 gallon) that I've been using for four years now and it's fine, although I would definitely make my own stand before using the Petsmart one. I would do a leak test in the garage before adding it to my home, but you should do that with any tank. Do you recommend any tanks or equipment? Let us know!
Cichlid charmer, I saw that 125 and stand setup on Black Friday it was around 700 bucks or so. It is a lot of money to shell out on another tank 😢😂I would love to have a 6 ft tank. But family and kids come first than fish. lol.
Awesome as usual...I have 6 display tanks and still watched to learn and get additional options for products. The only thing I would add is...when shopping at PetsMart or PetCo the major holidays will always be a win. I just picked up a Fluval 407 for 110 bucks off to go on my FOWLR tank. Congrats on 10K!
Thank you and that’s a huge savings. I checked Petsmart on Black Friday for deals on Fluval filters, but there were none. But I don’t think they usually post those.
Used is the way to go! Setup alerts on marketplace is my suggestion and be patient. The right deal will come along soon enough. I just setup my first mixed African 125 gallon. $600 total got me the tank, two FX4s, 2 heaters, lights, stand, substrate, and driftwood. It cleaned up perfectly and does not leak. I also got a 90g a few months ago and have an aggressive American tank. $100 and it came with lid, lights, heater, and beautiful wooden stand.
That sounds great! I will have to make a video about buying used tanks here in the future. I might be selling a setup in a few months. If I do, they also will be getting a heck of a deal. Thanks for telling us all about your wise spending!
Buying a used tank? Yes, it is a crap shoot! I was going to go that route, but after seeing some tanks burst and seeing that disaster, made me buy a tank with a 3 yr warranty. But yes, I totally agree when people have to move and won't be able to set up their aquarium. That's a score!!
@@daddykiller5835 knock on wood, I have had zero issues with my used 250, 125, 90, and 10. My thought with the 12( was that even if the tank was crap, at least I got two FX-4s out of the deal. That and a lot of people are honest. Selling a bum anything is actually more rare than I would have thought.
1 yr later my lfs just ordered me a 125g. Aqueon tank, with a real wood stand. Normal glass lids and 2/3 ft lights. Gonna be about $1200 bucks. But still have to buy filter, gravel, and heaters. Im happy the stand gonna be real wood. Im thinking and hoping im getting a fair price. I know some set ups are even more expensive. My current 75g is a marineland tank. So far so good. So im hoping the aqueon will also be good quality.
Nice video. I picked up a free 55 gallon with stand, lights, heater on FB MP. Also got an FX6 for $75 that looks almost brand new. This is a 3rd tank for me but wanted something for the upstairs office that wasnt to big. Eventually Ill upgrade to some 125-240 tanks once my guys geow out
I bought a 125 gallon Visio aquarium 400 gallon filter and plants and Rock for 360 delivered installed and stand all 5 miles from me and he services Univision Lakers and Seth McFarland
You should try the ITC-306A, controllable through the app and comes with two heater plugins. I was able to get it for under $40 during Black Friday sale. So much easier to set up the range. During water changes I can kill the power to the heaters.
Thank you, I really enjoy this kind of presentation to see what other's are using and get any helpful tips, I also enjoy seeing your beautiful fish. I have gone with SunSun filters for all of these years I just find that you need to size up when figuring out what size you need for the tank and also, I had to replace seal rings a couple of times but other than that their pretty good. Funny I was just thinking I really would like to size up from my new 40gal and shoot for another 125gal then my family just about threw me out the door, OK I get it family I get it, I need to stop and remember I enjoy the space now in my small house, sigh!
So you’ve had experience with the Sun Suns. Good to know! I just like looking around at aquariums and equipment so this was fun. So you’re thinking about a 125… sounds like you’ve decided against it though. At least for now. 😂 thanks Polly!!
I just set one up for $700. $300 tank, lids and stand off fb mp. 2 aq 110s and $150 worth of caribsea sand. 2 36 inch leds and a wave maker off Amazon. The rest i had on hand.
Perhaps you should try doing DIY stands. I did one for my 65-gallon tank, inspired by the King of DIY. It gives you a whole lot of new experience and satisfaction. Of course you can't match the pro level finishing, but someone on a tight budget can try.
There is a 6ft 150. It's the same footprint as a 125, but taller. (27 inches iirc?) May or may not be worth it for you depending on what kind of fish you're stocking it with. The extra height makes it hard to reach anything on the bottom of the tank.
@@angelaa4954 I don’t need to reach anything at the bottom, I keep sand and use wave makers on top of keeping geophagus they keep everything clean currently, been 6 months almost and haven’t cleaned substrate one time
Aqueon, TopFin and Marineland tanks and stands are made by the same manufacture in the same facility. They just slap different stickers on the glass. Its mind boggling that people swear by one brand and trash the other brand when they are the exact same tank.
Aqueon and Marineland are definitely not made by the same mfr. Two different companies. TopFin is a private label brand from Petsmart....do not know who the mfr is.
@@CichlidCharmer oh yeah. I just looked into it and it doesn’t appear to be true. Can’t find anything on it Maybe they both just use a couple parts that were manufactured in the same place or something, like cabinet hinges or sealant or something
Really enjoy your channel....On the other end of the price spectrum...Have you had any experience with Pro Clear Aquatic Systems? I'm considering getting a complete system.
@CichlidCharmer I see. A local shop owner recommended Pro Clear to me when we said we wanted a higher end tank and stand. What size are you planning for the new tank?
@@thebestfan7774 Thanks for asking, but it's a secret for now. Big enough that whatever I get won't feel cramped in there. My standards for swimming room are a little on the high side.
Good day my name is wiz I've watched quite a few of your videos and I must give you 5 out of 5 thumbs up us bald LOL I like the color of African cichlids but I prefer central, South American and other fresh water fish. however, you can't go wrong with the beautiful starry night/black diamond cichlid. Have you ever thought about keeping a Jaguar cichlid, datnoid tiger fish or a flag tail prochilodis? Sorry about your wet pet loss but I'm glad you are still in it. Sign off wiz
Well thank you, Wiz! Yes, I have thought about a jaguar. In fact, I was researching them last night. I am planning on getting a large SA or CA tank in the next few months, and I’m trying to make a good list of inmates 🥰
I was just going through pricing and how I would equip one. I was planning on possibly putting one in our extra bedroom, but it looks like that won’t be happening.
Oh man is that your biggest tank yet? It’s so awesome. Have you had acrylic before? If not, you should watch my video on keeping the scratches down. I’ve learned a lot with my 240 that is all scratched up, and my 180 that I bought after I made my mistakes is almost scratch free
It’s WAY better to wait until it isn’t a financial burden - you are very wise. Better to do it when it won’t be so stressful. And you’ll appreciate it even more after the wait 🥰
trust me i know its a little gross butt geting a nice used aquarium without leakes is the cheapest i got my 120 for 500 and did the whole setup under 800
I don't think that's gross at all. My first 75 was a used tank (although the guy sold it to me as a 90 gallon, and I didn't have a clue at the time). Thanks for watching and sharing that with us!
@@CichlidCharmer have a 75 set up now stocking it w community fish, kinda a dark water theme, fish in another tank in quartine, more fish on the way, have a 40 gal shell dewller tank, got a 60 im setting up to move my shellies, add some calvis and transcriptis. them making a spot for the new 100 to 150, w custom stand made by myself, fat fish designz llc, gonna stock that w trophious from tanganikya, i have hard water and seem to enjoy the cichlids more than most others
Always get what you want the first time, but if you're on a budget, this build will work for you and these are quality pieces of equipment that I have used (except as mentioned the Sun Sun filter). I still have an Aqueon tank (75 gallon) that I've been using for four years now and it's fine, although I would definitely make my own stand before using the Petsmart one. I would do a leak test in the garage before adding it to my home, but you should do that with any tank. Do you recommend any tanks or equipment? Let us know!
Cichlid charmer,
I saw that 125 and stand setup on Black Friday it was around 700 bucks or so. It is a lot of money to shell out on another tank 😢😂I would love to have a 6 ft tank. But family and kids come first than fish. lol.
Family first? Even before fish?? 😂😂😂
Awesome as usual...I have 6 display tanks and still watched to learn and get additional options for products. The only thing I would add is...when shopping at PetsMart or PetCo the major holidays will always be a win. I just picked up a Fluval 407 for 110 bucks off to go on my FOWLR tank. Congrats on 10K!
Thank you and that’s a huge savings. I checked Petsmart on Black Friday for deals on Fluval filters, but there were none. But I don’t think they usually post those.
Used is the way to go! Setup alerts on marketplace is my suggestion and be patient. The right deal will come along soon enough.
I just setup my first mixed African 125 gallon. $600 total got me the tank, two FX4s, 2 heaters, lights, stand, substrate, and driftwood. It cleaned up perfectly and does not leak.
I also got a 90g a few months ago and have an aggressive American tank. $100 and it came with lid, lights, heater, and beautiful wooden stand.
That sounds great! I will have to make a video about buying used tanks here in the future. I might be selling a setup in a few months. If I do, they also will be getting a heck of a deal. Thanks for telling us all about your wise spending!
Buying a used tank? Yes, it is a crap shoot! I was going to go that route, but after seeing some tanks burst and seeing that disaster, made me buy a tank with a 3 yr warranty. But yes, I totally agree when people have to move and won't be able to set up their aquarium. That's a score!!
@@daddykiller5835 knock on wood, I have had zero issues with my used 250, 125, 90, and 10. My thought with the 12( was that even if the tank was crap, at least I got two FX-4s out of the deal. That and a lot of people are honest. Selling a bum anything is actually more rare than I would have thought.
1 yr later my lfs just ordered me a 125g. Aqueon tank, with a real wood stand. Normal glass lids and 2/3 ft lights. Gonna be about $1200 bucks. But still have to buy filter, gravel, and heaters. Im happy the stand gonna be real wood. Im thinking and hoping im getting a fair price. I know some set ups are even more expensive. My current 75g is a marineland tank. So far so good. So im hoping the aqueon will also be good quality.
That doesn't seem bad for a tank with a real solid wood stand to me. Hope you love it ❤️👍
Nice video. I picked up a free 55 gallon with stand, lights, heater on FB MP. Also got an FX6 for $75 that looks almost brand new. This is a 3rd tank for me but wanted something for the upstairs office that wasnt to big. Eventually Ill upgrade to some 125-240 tanks once my guys geow out
Nice!!
I bought a 125 gallon Visio aquarium 400 gallon filter and plants and Rock for 360 delivered installed and stand all 5 miles from me and he services Univision Lakers and Seth McFarland
You should try the ITC-306A, controllable through the app and comes with two heater plugins. I was able to get it for under $40 during Black Friday sale. So much easier to set up the range. During water changes I can kill the power to the heaters.
I’m looking into it - thank you!
Thank you, I really enjoy this kind of presentation to see what other's are using and get any helpful tips, I also enjoy seeing your beautiful fish. I have gone with SunSun filters for all of these years I just find that you need to size up when figuring out what size you need for the tank and also, I had to replace seal rings a couple of times but other than that their pretty good. Funny I was just thinking I really would like to size up from my new 40gal and shoot for another 125gal then my family just about threw me out the door, OK I get it family I get it, I need to stop and remember I enjoy the space now in my small house, sigh!
So you’ve had experience with the Sun Suns. Good to know! I just like looking around at aquariums and equipment so this was fun. So you’re thinking about a 125… sounds like you’ve decided against it though. At least for now. 😂 thanks Polly!!
I put a new set of lights on that tank and new heater and two SUN SUN 704B canister filters
Very helpful video for those who are looking at buying a bigger tank in the 6ft range
Thank you, and good to see you back here 🥰
I just set one up for $700. $300 tank, lids and stand off fb mp. 2 aq 110s and $150 worth of caribsea sand. 2 36 inch leds and a wave maker off Amazon. The rest i had on hand.
Perhaps you should try doing DIY stands. I did one for my 65-gallon tank, inspired by the King of DIY. It gives you a whole lot of new experience and satisfaction. Of course you can't match the pro level finishing, but someone on a tight budget can try.
Excellent recommendation! My stands are actually made using the plans from Joey, the King of DIY. Very sturdy.
I got the wifi version of the inkbird controller. Good for my OCD and keeping an eye on it/alarm on phone etc
You have to be kidding me Paul -- I didn't know those were made. Now I need to get some! I also need a nanny cam on my boys now.
@@CichlidCharmerlol
I wanted to get one but the reviews are kinda scary. So many melted units. Seems like another thing to worry about.
@@lastditch727 I changed to the 106A and I love them.
@@CichlidCharmer do you mean 306a? I'm searching 106a and don't see it. Thanks for the reply.
You can put a small 1" bed in a 125...6 bags... I did it, I have some shells and things to add
Thank you very much! Very practical, very helpful.
You're welcome!
Very useful information for people who are on a budget but would like a big tank! I’ll be going to a 125 in about 8 months
What a difference the extra two feet make from a 75!! Thanks, Dakota.
@@CichlidCharmer it’s either going to be a 125 or a 150! I haven’t decided yet! I believe there’s a 6ft 150
@@WatsonsAquatics I think there is also 🥰
There is a 6ft 150. It's the same footprint as a 125, but taller. (27 inches iirc?) May or may not be worth it for you depending on what kind of fish you're stocking it with. The extra height makes it hard to reach anything on the bottom of the tank.
@@angelaa4954 I don’t need to reach anything at the bottom, I keep sand and use wave makers on top of keeping geophagus they keep everything clean currently, been 6 months almost and haven’t cleaned substrate one time
Aqueon, TopFin and Marineland tanks and stands are made by the same manufacture in the same facility. They just slap different stickers on the glass. Its mind boggling that people swear by one brand and trash the other brand when they are the exact same tank.
Never heard that. I just googled it and couldn’t find anything to that effect. How did you come across this info?
I actually didn’t know this but it’s also not surprising considering how low quality all the stands are
Aqueon and Marineland are definitely not made by the same mfr. Two different companies. TopFin is a private label brand from Petsmart....do not know who the mfr is.
@@THEnelsonbruhsI’m not sure this is true. I couldn’t find anything to that effect.
@@CichlidCharmer oh yeah. I just looked into it and it doesn’t appear to be true. Can’t find anything on it
Maybe they both just use a couple parts that were manufactured in the same place or something, like cabinet hinges or sealant or something
I was praying you gave us some cheap fish options for people who have a low budget but want something bigger
I hope this helped. My heaters and controllers are wonderful and surprisingly inexpensive.
Really enjoy your channel....On the other end of the price spectrum...Have you had any experience with Pro Clear Aquatic Systems? I'm considering getting a complete system.
Thank you! I haven’t had any experience with them. I am planning on a Custom Aquariums tank for my next one.
@CichlidCharmer I see. A local shop owner recommended Pro Clear to me when we said we wanted a higher end tank and stand. What size are you planning for the new tank?
@@thebestfan7774 Thanks for asking, but it's a secret for now. Big enough that whatever I get won't feel cramped in there. My standards for swimming room are a little on the high side.
Good day my name is wiz I've watched quite a few of your videos and I must give you 5 out of 5 thumbs up us bald LOL I like the color of African cichlids but I prefer central, South American and other fresh water fish. however, you can't go wrong with the beautiful starry night/black diamond cichlid. Have you ever thought about keeping a Jaguar cichlid, datnoid tiger fish or a flag tail prochilodis? Sorry about your wet pet loss but I'm glad you are still in it. Sign off wiz
Well thank you, Wiz! Yes, I have thought about a jaguar. In fact, I was researching them last night. I am planning on getting a large SA or CA tank in the next few months, and I’m trying to make a good list of inmates 🥰
Which fish you are getting for your 125 i recommend getting mbuna
I was just going through pricing and how I would equip one. I was planning on possibly putting one in our extra bedroom, but it looks like that won’t be happening.
I recently purchased the combo for the 125 from PetSmart yes to stand is very cheap so what I did is put two coats of Thompson's waterproofing on it
It’s a beautiful tank isn’t it?
@@CichlidCharmer yes I absolutely love it I am putting Mbunas in it so far I'm enjoying it very much
This is a great help
Glad you stopped by - thanks for watching and for leaving some feedback, Josh 🥰
1:15 Have you entered the code for extra 20%?
I missed it!!
just ordered a 240 clear for life at petsmart....
Oh man is that your biggest tank yet? It’s so awesome. Have you had acrylic before? If not, you should watch my video on keeping the scratches down. I’ve learned a lot with my 240 that is all scratched up, and my 180 that I bought after I made my mistakes is almost scratch free
i have 180...two 125s...150 and i got a good deal last year on mkt place and got a 135 clear for life@@CichlidCharmer
I was so close to buying the 125 ensemble for 750 but decided I probably shouldn’t spend that much money right now 😭
It’s WAY better to wait until it isn’t a financial burden - you are very wise. Better to do it when it won’t be so stressful. And you’ll appreciate it even more after the wait 🥰
Try doing that for an acrylic tank…
Good idea!
It isn’t possible a acrylic 125 is 1500 by itself no stand no filters etc etc unless you can find one used
trust me i know its a little gross butt geting a nice used aquarium without leakes is the cheapest i got my 120 for 500 and did the whole setup under 800
I don't think that's gross at all. My first 75 was a used tank (although the guy sold it to me as a 90 gallon, and I didn't have a clue at the time). Thanks for watching and sharing that with us!
I’ve bought 4
I’m getting goosebumps just thinking about it 🤩🤩
my next tank will be a 100 to 150
Sure is nice once you jump up from the 75 range. You’ll love it if this is your first big tank 🥰
@@CichlidCharmer have a 75 set up now stocking it w community fish, kinda a dark water theme, fish in another tank in quartine, more fish on the way, have a 40 gal shell dewller tank, got a 60 im setting up to move my shellies, add some calvis and transcriptis. them making a spot for the new 100 to 150, w custom stand made by myself, fat fish designz llc, gonna stock that w trophious from tanganikya, i have hard water and seem to enjoy the cichlids more than most others
Pool sand is cheap. 25$ for 50 pounds
It is super cheap! Good call. I don’t use it because it’s so fine and gets blown around or sucked up easily.
This would be awesome if you got a 125! never saw you do a unboxing before on a tank what would you put in it? My suggestion is.mbuna😍
I think mbuna would be a great choice for a 125, Sam!
@@CichlidCharmer you bet!! you said you might get one? You could get so many. If you did.😱🤩